Search for a trip

Search for a day tour

Montenegro

Boasting a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline, gorgeous tucked-away mountain hamlets and charming small-town affability, it probably comes as no surprise that Montenegro is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Hit buzzing Budva during the two-month summer season and you’ll likely be beggared by the antics of Eastern Europe’s well-heeled pleasure seekers, yet venture beyond the glitz and be rightly rewarded with pristine natural landscapes and rustic towns oozing old-Europe charm. Subtle but seductive, stylish and schmick, this new kid on the Balkans block is fast moving to the top of its class.

Best time to visit Montenegro

Party to both Mediterranean summers and Balkan winters, the question of when to visit Montenegro really depends on what you’re after. The months of July and August, referred to locally - and somewhat dramatically - as ‘the Season’ sees coastal tourism at full-throttle with beaches, hotels and restaurants packed out by Europe’s summer sun seekers. As a result, either side of this period is the best time for a visit - with May, June, September and October still enjoying balmy days, pleasant evenings and warm waters. November through to April is the winter period when inland temperature can drop to below freezing, but it also marks the opening of the country’s ski runs and the coast can present a scenic - and quiet - getaway for the less adventurous.

Geography and environment

Montenegro’s slim 294km-long coastline quickly develops into inland plains before rising to forested mountain peaks - some of Europe’s most rugged - along the country’s borders with Serbia and Albania.

Top Picks

Top 5 Creatures in Montenegro

1. Bears

Fairytale and soft-toy enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that Montenegro is home to a stable population of European brown bears. Eternally vying with its polar cousin for the uber-cool title of ‘world’s largest land-based predator’, you may not like to encounter one unexpectedly (extremely unlikely), but it’s fun to know that they’re plodding about somewhere not too far off.

2. Wolves

As the most widely distributed large mammal on the planet, it’s probably not overly surprising to hear that the country boasting Europe’s highest index of species per area unit should also have its share of grey wolves – even if the government has made it legal to hunt them.

3. Otters

Much like the tourists who descend on the country’s beaches during July and August, these curious and cheeky critters can sometimes be spotted breaching the surface of Montenegro’s freshwater lakes or basking by their shores. So well liked are these little guys that in 2011, the Montenegrin Ministry of Culture launched ‘Otter Fest 2011’: a festival promoting the development of Skadar Lake’s local communities, which draws attention to its endangered otter population.

4. Lynx

Probably the fluffiest of Montenegro’s wildlife, but with a dwindling population thought to be less than 100 due to illegal poaching, the Balkan lynx is only very rarely spotted in the remote mountainous region of the country’s east.

5. Golden Eagles

Proudly emblazoned on the country’s flag, the majestic golden eagle is sometimes spied scouring its skies. One of the best-known birds of prey, it’s certainly one of the most powerful hunters, with reported sightings of sheep and goats being snatched up, and one confirmed account of a brown bear cub being carried off!

Mobile phone coverage is pretty good throughout Montenegro and roaming agreements are in place with most international phone companies. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you plan to use your mobile phone.

Montenegro’s toilets are usually of the Western-flushing variety, though you could possibly come across the occasional squat/pit toilet in rural areas. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: [site:intrepid_insurance_link]

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 6 Orthodox Christmas Eve
Jan 7 Orthodox Christmas Day
May 1 Labour Day
May 3 Orthodox Good Friday
May 6 Orthodox Easter Monday
May 9 Victory Day
May 21 Independence Day
Jul 13 Statehood Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/montenegro/public-holidays

Health and Safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From US?

From UK?

The World Health Organisation

Responsible Travel

Montenegro Travel Tips

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Top responsible travel tips for Montenegro

1. Be considerate of Montenegrin customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Montenegro has some of the purest water in Europe.

3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.

4. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.

5. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive and supports the local community.